The Brush is My Pen explores American art in the narrative tradition, from the 1820s through today. From the classically-influenced historical and genre paintings of 19th century artists to powerful contemporary narrative work, artists have long created richly evocative stories. In this exhibition’s 18 paintings, prints, and photographs, chosen primarily from the Long Island Museum’s permanent collection, artists have explored every aspect of the human condition, just as writers of literary and stage productions. The exhibition explores narrative art through four separate themes – work, satire, drama, and hope – and includes a range of work from artists of every era. William Sidney Mount’s Loss and Gain, 1847, a satirical work in support of the American temperance movement, is a typically striking example of the artist’s multi-layered storytelling. Edward Lamson Henry’s Home Again, 1908, a nostalgically-tinged work expressing longing for an America that was rapidly fading, tells the tale of a family reunion. And Margery Caggiano’s Michael as Don Manuel Osorio de Zuñiga, 1978, is both an expression of love for the artist’s Spiderman-t-shirt-wearing grandson and a sly reference to the famous Francisco de Goya painting of a similar title. Whether exploring an aspect of history or simply appealing to the viewer’s sense of humor, all of these works prove the old adage that a “picture is worth a thousand words.”

Before serious demographic shifts and culture wars directed the national …

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The Long Island Museum

Located at 1200 Route 25A in Stony Brook, the Long Island Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate, dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults and children with an understanding of Long Island's rich history and diverse cultures.

The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday from noon to 5.

Regular admission is $10 per person, $7 for seniors and $5 for students ages six to 17. Children under six and museum members are free.